This shirt was designed by Denise and Sam, Emma, Matt and Olivia. Matt wrote the words and, as he revealed at Denise’s funeral reception on Friday, it was written about Denise, like pretty much all copy and words we wrote for The Good Ones and Matilda Jane over the years—Denise, who “lit fireworks in our souls,” who “smiles with pride, acts with heart and lives with soul,” who “is here to shine,” who owned that “the best lesson ever is that it’s perfectly great when we’re proud to be exactly who we are” and “because the entire world is overflowing with soul, and she’s at the center” and on and on and on.

The same is true with “Heart like a lion, soul like a star.” 100% pure Denise DeMarchis.

All proceeds from the sale of this shirt will support Mighty Acorn Foundation.

This day has been the year’s most beautiful day in Fort Wayne, and in particular our little neck of the woods, Bricktown.

We can feel Denise looking down on us, warming our hearts like the sun, inspiring us with her beauty and her brilliance.

This inspiration has fueled each and every one of us since the moment we met Denise.

While absolutely overcome with sadness, we know that Denise’s wish for us is that we all stand tall, with confidence, and lead generous, creative lives. Denise’s unwavering and contagious spirit will guide us for the rest of our days.

As you remember the way Denise touched your own life, we invite you to join us.

Denise DeMarchis changed the world for the better, and in such a short time. She wasn’t done. Together, and each in our own way, we can help finish her work.

Maryann E -She wasn’t only a good one, but a GREAT one! Praying for her family.

June 23, 2015 - 10:19 pm

Jennifer Fox -I know this simply lovely tribute will be just one of many to come. I imagine The Good Ones will continue to celebrate Denise long in to the future with love, laughter and so much creativity. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

abby-So lucky to have met Denise & Sam even if it was for a short few. Following the blogs & facebook you felt like you knew her even if you didn’t…and meeting her was like she was someone you’d known for years…even the first time. She will be forever missed, but her spirit and love will continue on through all good things… oh and of course the twirling.

Hello again! I’m here to announce the winners of the karaoke song contest! We haven’t sang all of your great requests just yet but definitely plan to. It’s tough to break out new material when your go-to tunes are by Celine Dion, Madonna and Tina Turner… you’ll have to guess which TGO gal sings which.

I would like to start by saying that TGO fans are theeee nicest and coolest people and say thank you for supporting the brand that I love with all my heart.

Hi, I’m Olivia. I have worked for TGO since September 2013 on everything from pop-up shops to packing orders, customer service to photoshoots and trade shows to social media. If you’ve placed an order in the last couple of years, there’s a good chance I’ve written you a mushy note about how much I love you and TGO. Oh gosh, how embarrassing.

I’m going to do a little giveaway at the bottom of this post but first I’m going to tell you a little bit about myself. – Feel free to just scroll on down.

I live in a cute little house with my fella Derek, our son Arlo and our pup Bowie T. Stardust. Derek is the guitar player in a popular psychedelic rock band so our home is littered with music equipment. It’s prop heaven for any TGO shoot and there is at least one guitar pick in every load of laundry. Arlo is almost four months old and is already a rambunctious little guy. Arlo loves music (especially The Ramones and Harry Belafonte) and looooooves his puppy Bowie. I am so excited to see my boy grow up with the positive messaging and music of TGO and The Final Hurrahs…and for all the family photos in his Good Ones goodies.

I’ve had a fun and weird life so far and have had opportunities to do lots of crazy things. Here are a few highlights… I’m a former professional figure skater. I’ve been so lucky to have skated (and lived) in places like Vegas and Istanbul with people from around the world. My dad and I made it to master black belt and ran a martial arts school together… no I’m not making this up.

My mom and I started a company called OFabz in 2012 making retro swimwear and selling it to cute little boutiques across the country. Neither of us can turn our brains off so we have kept on designing as a fun side project and creative outlet for our love of ruffles and polka dots.

I love my job at TGO and my coworkers more than I can even admit. Sometimes we miss each other on the weekends so much that we meet up for dancing and karaoke. I love iced tea and might be addicted to coke zero. I live two miles away from Bricktown and get to ride my bike to work. I love The Supremes, James Brown, Tina Turner and Father John Misty. I feel most at home on a stage. I believe weekends are for donuts, kickball and making things. I love The Good Ones with all my heart and am so glad to know you all.

xoxo Olivia

p.s. the photo on the left is when Emma (one of my best pals and the graphic design mastermind behind some of your fave TGO items) and I drove the van to Riot Fest to sell some TGO and listen to some rock ‘n’ roll… one of my best memories from a TGO adventure (so far).

Contest: Leave us a comment with your (or your little good one’s) go-to karaoke song! We’ll choose a couple of you to send some TGO goodies… and Sam, Emma and I will sing the winner’s song at our next outing.

Heather Weichbrodt -I’m not sure if she has karaoke songs or not but LOVE rocking out to Paula Abdul, “straight up” in the car with my twins! They think I’m CRAZY!! You just have to sing along with that one, and not quietly !!

Courtney Hartman -Though I rarely grace the karaoke stage anymore, I love to sing the Fugees version of Killing Me Softly or my own painful rendition of Folsom Prison Blues. I’m no Johnny Cash. My two year olds first love song was The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song by The Flaming Lips. It was the only way to calm the cranky on long car rides. Cheers!

May 2, 2015 - 12:11 pm

Stacey Carey -My good one’s favorite song to karaoke to has to be Chris Tomlin – How Great is Our God – World Edition… Mostly because he is only 2 and likes the “aaaaa-aaaaahhhh” at the beginning and end…. Hahahaha

May 2, 2015 - 1:11 pm

Kaitlin Petersen -Bon Jovi’s Living on a Prayer is my favorite! My good one loves anything by Neil Diamond.

May 2, 2015 - 1:28 pm

Michelle Lamothe -My son is 3 and music is a part of his autism therapy so music is in our house constantly. He comes up to me daily with the remote in hand and says “Shake Off” so that is our Karoke song of choice! We also have some awesome dance moves! We love all our shirts from The Good Ones!

May 2, 2015 - 1:33 pm

Sarah K -Hit me with your best shot

May 2, 2015 - 1:48 pm

Rya Hibbard -Cruz’s favorite song to belt out as we drive along in the car is “So What” by Pink!!
His little raspy voice makes my heart puffy happy.

May 2, 2015 - 1:58 pm

Stephen Eric Bryden -Arthur’s favorite song is called “Don’t You Whatever You Do” and it involves a lot of freestyling and calling me names like Jello Head.

May 2, 2015 - 2:10 pm

Lisa Elliott -Hard Days night- the Beatles

My son says Hey Bulldog by the Beatles. Ha! Yes, we have Beatles Rock Band at home and love to jam out to some Beatles

Betsy -My two little good ones love singing Get Back by the Beatles. I’ll also confess they’re into Get That Body Back by Pomplamoose.

May 2, 2015 - 2:37 pm

Lindsay Hanas -I haven’t done karaoke in a VERY long time and unfortunately don’t get “out” very often with 6 little ones at home but back in the day “Friends in Low Places” was ALWAYS a karaoke fav!

May 2, 2015 - 2:53 pm

jamie hicks -I used to be a kj and would sing Luka by Suzanne Vega all the time

May 2, 2015 - 3:40 pm

Amy Baldwin -My 6 year Michael loves any popular Bon Jovi song, but his absolute go-to fave is ‘Raise Your Hands.’ He has great choreography to go with it!

May 2, 2015 - 5:37 pm

Jennifer -Respect by Aretha Franklin!! I saw you girls at riot fest!! I was there all 3 days and rocking Matilda Jane Sunday!! Highlight of the weekend was being front row for Jane’s and TOUCHING Perry glad you had a great time, So much fun!!!

May 2, 2015 - 5:41 pm

Jennifer Christman -Respect by Aretha Franklin. I saw you guys at riot fest! I was there all 3 days and rocked Matilda Jane on Sunday!! Had the most amazing time , got front row for Jane’s !! I’m glad you had fun too!!

May 2, 2015 - 8:59 pm

Anne -Our go-to song nowadays is “Let It Go.” Someone under 3 obviously rules the household

May 2, 2015 - 9:10 pm

Kelley -hEarT! Anything by Heart is the best karaoke!

May 2, 2015 - 9:13 pm

Spency -“Love Shack”

May 2, 2015 - 9:27 pm

Alexa Keefe -creep-radiohead
Bohemian rhapsody-queen
My favorite karaoke songs of all time! I hope to get out to karaoke again soon, hope you all enjoy doing it! Love what you girls are up to!

May 2, 2015 - 10:54 pm

Manama Hope -Hi, Olivia! “Say My Name” – not many words!! I am THE WORST Karaoke Singer EVER!!!!! Got your love note in my precious package!! Actually, you addressed it to The Papa Bear who never shops, but the PayPal account is in his name. But that clever Nece added a Mama Hope love note, too. Love the music!! My Sweet boy, Willy, in Kitale and my grandson,Alex, in NC are gonna be happy boys!

May 3, 2015 - 1:30 am

Brittany -Nice to “meet” you! Love TGO and can’t wait for my little man to grow a little and don’t into the adorable outfits!

My karaoke hit is Grease Lightning! Too many crazy college fun night with that one.

May 3, 2015 - 11:56 am

Suzanne -My Dads middle name is Arlo!!
We love blister in the sun by the violent femmes(not really age appropriate but they love it)! Followed closely by the theme song to the Mickey mouse clubhouse by they might be Giants. You should totally sing that at karaoke!!

May 3, 2015 - 3:55 pm

Laura -My ds likes Rainbow Connection

May 3, 2015 - 9:11 pm

Sarah -As much as I hate to admit it our go to song is Everything is Awesome from the Lego movie! Obviously I have a 5 and 9 year old boy!

May 3, 2015 - 11:29 pm

belinda -taylor swift shake it off

May 3, 2015 - 11:31 pm

Rachel Huber -Love Love that The Good Ones is back in high production!! It’s so original and fresh! My fav karaoke/sing by myself I the car song is hands down Landslide by Stevie Nicks! It came on today and I was belting it out in the car:)))

May 3, 2015 - 11:36 pm

Misty T. -I’m soooo not a singer anymore. I used to do musicals but too many years of cheerleading has RUINED my voice. I finally gave in while out to Karaoke with my hubs and father in law and did a song. FINALLY! It was TEQUILA!! Even I can handle saying “tequila” in a funny deep voice and dancing the pee wee herman dance.

May 3, 2015 - 11:38 pm

Ashley -My 6 year old daughter and (almost) 3 year old son are currently obsessed with YMCA, Shake Your Groove Thing, Shake it Off, and All About That Bass. There is nothing better than their ‘concerts’ they put on!

May 3, 2015 - 11:39 pm

Shacie Fielder -Mine and my good one kiddos favorite karaoke song of all time is Sandra Dee (slumber Party song) from Grease. They think it is hilarious and we have to act out the whole thing like the movie. I don’t drink – I Swear!

May 3, 2015 - 11:41 pm

Shellye Poole -I would have to say The Final Countdown by Europe my kids are addicted to that song

Amanda conn -My son started Pre k this year and his all time fav. Song right now is ” I like to eat apples and bananas” lol its his very first song that he has learned and loved.

May 4, 2015 - 4:50 am

Jill -Pretty much anything by Chicago! It’s not uncommon to find us singing and dancing along to any of their music

May 4, 2015 - 5:31 am

Gina P -My go to is Spice Girls Wanabe If my 3 year old picked it would be any Imagine Dragons song!

May 4, 2015 - 5:55 am

Florence Taylor -My son & I sing Warren G & Nate dog ” regulate”

May 4, 2015 - 6:24 am

Samantha Kempke -Somebody to love by Queen

May 4, 2015 - 6:52 am

Patricia Buckaloo -We got Aidan a his first karaoke machine this past Christmas. He loves it!!!! His fav song is “Burn”. I have some super cute video of him on Christmas Day, it didn’t take him long to catch on to using the machine.

May 4, 2015 - 6:54 am

Ingrid -Uptown funk!

May 4, 2015 - 7:21 am

Maryann -My kids and I totally rock out to Timber! My youngest just dances (or continuously jumps) while my older son sings as loud as he can!

May 4, 2015 - 7:26 am

Dawn -First of all, great to meet you! My little guy’s song at the moment is “Century” by Fallout Boy. We ADORE our TGOs, but I have to tell you–there is a HUGE market for retro swimwear as well…I wish it was more available in a quality product!

May 4, 2015 - 8:01 am

Erin Smitj -Tiny Tim – Tip Toe Through the Tulips

It’s lovely to meet you! My son is almost 4 and has been wearing TGO since he was a tiny baby you should like an amazing awesome person to have working at TGO! I hope to see many fun and new things come from the amazing line of rocking boys clothes.

May 4, 2015 - 8:07 am

ashley -My kids love belting out Firework so we often kitchen karaoke to that song! Loved doing karaoke to “I Will Survive” and “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” with my mom and sister back in the day.

May 4, 2015 - 8:25 am

bridgette lott -Paradise by the dashboard light by Meatloaf!

May 4, 2015 - 8:35 am

Jennifer -Love getting to know all of you fabulous ladies! My son is just 3, so his favorite right now is “This Old Man”. He gets a little creative with the lyrics haha

My kids on the other hand are obsessed with Kriss Kross right now, Jump and Warm It Up Kriss, I have am awesome video if you ever have no other thing in the world to do

May 4, 2015 - 9:03 am

Christy Lynn H -My kids love to sing “I Love Rock n Roll” by Joan Jett. It’s more a part of our kitchen dance parties than karaoke though. Before kids, when I actually went out a lot, “These Boots are Made for Walking” by Nancy Sinatra was my go to karaoke song. Love your post Olivia! So nice to get to know you

Jenny -Goodbye Earl- Dixie Chicks my best friend and I sing it when we karaoke together

May 4, 2015 - 6:02 pm

Annie Winland -Jerik loves to sing- his top three tunes to belt out are “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “Baby Got Back,” and “Radioactive.” He had eclectic tastes.

May 4, 2015 - 6:38 pm

amy -you may or may not know “study to show thyself” … either way, it’s a round song and my son loves to “honk” it out

May 4, 2015 - 7:17 pm

Melissa Johnson -My 3 year old little boy LOVES to sing Radioactive by Imagine Dragons. He heard it on a Monsterjam video and calls it “the monster truck song”. My hubby had to find the song and download it for him. He says, “Listen to that beat drop!!” He mimicks the beat dropping, and then starts belting out the lyrics. Cracks me up!

May 4, 2015 - 8:12 pm

Lois -Olivia, I so enjoyed reading about you……and what an interesting life you have already had in your young years. Arlo is already Mr. Personality at 4 months. I will look forward to seeing him as he grows. I am not a singer but still sing some of the preschool songs that I learned when teaching that age and my granddaughter Sara, 4, is a master at making up songs to share with us. Looking forward to hearing from you again.

May 4, 2015 - 8:42 pm

Michelle T. -Our go to is Proud Mary – Tina Turner but lately How Bad Can I Be? from the Lorax.

May 4, 2015 - 9:06 pm

Katherine Reed -Hi Olivia! So glad to learn a bit more about you~ I *did* hear that you were a karaoke star.
Elliott, Annabelle and I have karaoke dance parties every afternoon ~ and right now, their favorite song is I Got You Babe and they get all cute and mushy with it. Melts my heart.
Your little Arlo is precious!

May 4, 2015 - 10:10 pm

Katie -My kids and I jam out to Pharrell and Da Punk in the car!

May 4, 2015 - 11:44 pm

Jill -my 5 yr olds fav song is We Are the Champions! He can rock to Love Shack too!

Bethany R -Right now is kinda a weird time in our house, musically. My three boys are most frequently heard singing Tradition from Fiddler on the Roof. And for some reason they are in to Michael Jackson songs when there isn’t a Fiddler Craze going on!

May 15, 2015 - 11:56 pm

Katie Jo McKenna -“happy” by Pharell! I mean dancing around like a crazy singing happy a million times is bound to put smiles on everyone’s faces

May 16, 2015 - 6:48 pm

Priscilla Bockelman -What a feeling from the movie Flashdance….starts out slow and has the perfect build!!! Great to showcase dance moves too!!

May 16, 2015 - 6:50 pm

Pam Lee -My favorite is Girls just want to have fun by Cyndi Lauper or Let’s hear it for the boys!! Love the up tempo beat to both!!!

May 17, 2015 - 10:12 am

Amber Hill -Journey , Don’t stop believing

July 8, 2015 - 10:56 pm

Kel -Olivia! Can’t believe this is you! Just saw this tonight after looking for entries about our beloved MJC founder Denise.

You taught our little guy (now 6) how to skate (remember him crying on the ice at 3 lol?) He has been playing hockey for year now since age 5! He is doing great and all that persistence paid off!

Had to comment and say Arlo is adorable and so happy to see you are at The Good Ones!

DISCLAIMER: I’M GOING TO WRITE A BIT ABOUT MYSELF -SAM- SO IF YOU WANNA SKIP TO THE BOTTOM FOR BLOG WINNERS, I UNDERSTAND.

Joining the Good Ones full time (along with a few amazing Mighty Acorn projects here and there) was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Yea, I know I’m only 26 and my life has boat loads of scary risks and opportunities ahead of me. But for almost 7 years now, I’ve felt pretty darn safe. Risk-free you could say. I was comfy and cozy in my Matilda Jane bubble.

Then why am I here, you ask? Why give up my the little world I loved so much? The little world Denise allowed me to help create.

I’m here because I realized that “comfy” and “cozy” started to mean complacent and lazy to me.

I also realized, the world I liked best was the one where I got to work with my hero, mentor, and best friend each and everyday.

I realized I liked risks. I liked building a company I believed in. I liked growing. And heck, I even liked change.

All of those things are scary. But all so worth it in when it’s for a company you believe in with every bit of your heart.

That’s all it took. I looked back on the excitement around starting The Good Ones back in 2012. I thought about Matt and his uber-talented team at OLG and our roundtable meetings sharing ideas and just plain dreamin’. And I thought about Denise. Man, I missed her. I thought about our story and how I didn’t think it was quite finished yet. I also thought about how I missed doing a bit of everything. I’ve got much more to share with this world than my love of color and design, let me tell ya!

And now I’m here on the eve of April 15th, feeling butterflies, bats, and bugs moving around like crazy in my stomach. It feels good to be nervous like this. It feels good to care so much. And you have no idea how good it feels to know you guys are there, rooting us on. Goodness, we couldn’t ask for a better group of cheerleaders. I mean that.

Before I forget, I loved reading your comments about Spring! It’s my favorite time of year and it sounds like it’s a few of yours too! Will the group of winners email me at Sam@thegoodones.com with your child’s size and address for your goodies?!

Lastly, I want you to know that we’re so excited about the release tomorrow. Excited to share our first few pieces. I do mean A FEW. Tomorrow we’ll have about 8 new items to share. And in May another dozen or so. And even more happening this summer. Gotta remember, we’re just starting to get our legs here at TGO. So we’re small right now, but OH SO MIGHTY. Just ask Mister Gabe DeMarchis. He’s loving the new line.

And just a helpful FYI, Gabe’s stats are: Age 9, Weight 76lbs, Height 4″7. And he’s wearing our size 9/10. Also, just insider information for you “He was not the happiest trying on everything, but he did ask to keep the clothes.” Alright Gabe, I’ll think about it

Katie McKenna -EEEEK I’m SO excited about tomorrow! We’re so lucky to have you and Denise on board, Sam! I know you have some wonderful things in store for us
Can’t wait to see everything tomorrow <3
And Congrats to the winners!

April 14, 2015 - 4:57 pm

Shari -So excited for you!!! It’s so nice to “hear” your voice again!

April 14, 2015 - 5:08 pm

Polly Johnson-I’m so excited!! Good luck on your new journey with Denise!! Ms. Polly

April 14, 2015 - 5:18 pm

Jennifer -I’m so excited for this new line. I love mjc for my girl and my little boy always says he wants to get clothes in the mail too. He already loves the few pieces of tgo. Happy to start this journey with yall.

April 14, 2015 - 5:20 pm

Trish Buckaloo -That is a beautiful story!!!! So excited about all the new releases. Congrats to the winners. And by the way thanks for the sizing info that helps out a lot

April 14, 2015 - 5:29 pm

Amanda L -Excited for your new adventures Sam!

April 14, 2015 - 5:34 pm

JenF -Oh how I love dressing up my little man. Can’t wait!

April 14, 2015 - 5:41 pm

NDgirl -So happy for ya, Sam! I know exactly what you mean when you talk about “a company you believe in.” So excited for tomorrow! And look at Gabe … starting to look just like his daddy !

Sarah -I love when you blog, Sam! So excited for you ladies. Maybe my son will wear “boy Matilda Jane” again lol!

April 14, 2015 - 6:53 pm

Ingrid levy -Love you Sam!!! I have missed your blog posts!!!!

April 14, 2015 - 7:41 pm

Holly -I’ve been a Matilda Jane lover for years now, and I’ve been able to save and enjoy the memories of my first daughter’s clothes with my second daughter. There’s just something about the memories they have made in your adorable designs. And now may I just say how excited I am to 1) have a baby boy (almost 3 months) and to 2) see both of you more involved in TGO? So, so excited!

April 14, 2015 - 8:33 pm

Kayla -Love you and your very brave heart!!!!

April 14, 2015 - 11:23 pm

Laine -I miss you so much, I miss your blogs, I miss your designs and I will miss your face and enthusiasm at conference when the new MJC line is unveiled…but now I have this!! And now my son gets to share in the fun (and not just unisex straightees)! Can’t wait! And sign me up to be a TGO Trunk Keeper, lol!

April 14, 2015 - 11:36 pm

Sharon Blumberg-I loved reading this and am so excited for this new line! If you ever need shoes for TGO models, just let me know! We would love to work with you!

April 15, 2015 - 1:14 pm

Michelle Huesgen-You ladies are amazing! You inspire me as creatives and humans. Congrats of the release! It really is an amazing line!!! I was blown away!!

April 15, 2015 - 3:28 pm

Ashlee -Wow I just love you über lots! And miss you both a ton! Super excited about TGO and thrilled to watch you both create another dynasty together! It’s what’s in the inside that counts! And your heart will always be mine! Xoxo

April 15, 2015 - 3:30 pm

Isbel (Belis) -I loved this, Sam! Taking risks is what livin’ is all about – and what better than to do it with people you call ‘family’! Loved the launch! Kudos to all

April 15, 2015 - 3:49 pm

Amber V -YAY! I’m super excited to hear you’ve joined this team Sam! I have three little girls and we have loved MJ forever and I especially loved reading your blogs. Since my last little person is a boy, I’m looking forward to what this line will bring his way. Thanks

April 15, 2015 - 7:10 pm

Lisa Moline -Any company would be lucky to have someone with as much heart as Sam and Denise. Can’t wait to see what is left of your story Love you!